Learning Mandarin: Classroom vs. Culture

China has become an increasingly important destination for commerce, international diplomacy, and tourism. As the most populous nation on earth, China's growth means that those people who can speak fluent Mandarin have a huge advantage in the coming years over those who know only a single language. But getting to know Mandarin isn't easy.

Global Leadership Adventures offers international Mandarin immersion programs for high school students that expose teens to the language and culture of China. By studying Mandarin abroad during high school instead of at a class at school or a local summer camp, students are able to build context and make meaningful connections that are lost in textbook study alone.

GLA teens on the China program will acquire 20 language hours during their program, while also participating in meaningful service projects that will help them create ties with local people. This truly is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to make a difference in other peoples' lives while also preparing for your own future!

Global Leadership Adventures is a division of Terra Education, a leader in the field of international service learning. Terra also operates Discover Corps, one to two week volunteer vacations for adults and families, in collaboration with the National Peace Corps Association.

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GLA Flagship Programs

Our 21-day Flagship programs provide the ideal amount of time to satisfy every dimension of the GLA Experience.

Although many of the same objectives can be achieved on shorter programs, students and parents report that three weeks is the optimal time to develop lifelong friendships with local people and fellow students, to make a greater impact on the community, to fully immerse themselves in a culture, and to explore different facets of the host country.